Norda 001A G+ Trail Running Shoe Review: As Expensive as an Apple Watch | WIRED

TriangleUp Buy Now Multiple Buying Options Available $295 at REI (Men's) $295 at REI (Women's) $295 at Huckberry (Men's) Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Rating: 8 /10 Open rating explainer Information WIRED Stable underfoot protection with good ground feel. Excellent grip. Reliable waterproofing. Built solid to absorb big mileage. Nails the style brief. TIRED Very expensive. Uncomfortable heel cup. At 11.4 ounces (US men’s size 10), it’s bulky. Running is supposed to be an affordable hobby. But we are in the era of ultra-premium running kit, where boutique brands and fashion-running collabs tout high-spec, high-tech gear with high prices to match. From Satisfy’s $140 mothtech tees to SOAR x Altra’s $285 trail shorts , there are some eye-watering, pricey kit on the shelves. That goes for shoes, too. Road racing shoes like the Adidas Adizero Pro Evo 2 now tip the $500 mark. On the trails, brands like Speedland and Canadian shoemaker Norda are pushing the prices. Norda’s shoes start at $295. The new 001A G+ that we tested costs $325. That’s not far off the price of an Apple Watch Series 11 . It’s also a step up on the already-pricey top-tier trail super shoes from brands like Hoka, Asics, and Adidas. Is it really worth it? As a full-time shoe tester, I’ve run in dozens of trail shoes right across the price range. But this is my first time lacing up a Norda. I put 50 miles into the 001A G+ to see if you can really justify spending more than $300 on a trail shoe. New Kicks on the Rock Photograph: Kieran Alger Footwear industry veterans Nick Martire and Willa Leus-Martire founded Norda in 2021. The pair set out to create high-performance trail shoes that would last. Like most boutique brands, Norda focuses on using top-quality materials with a heavy attention to detail, right down to the toughened recycled polyester laces. The company also delivers a touch of stylish swagger. The Norda 001 was the brand’s first release, a cushioned trailer designed for ultra miles with a distinct cult classic styling that really set it apart. The follow-up 001A aims to build on that reputation. It now comes in three models: the 001A, the 001A G+ with added weatherproofing, and the 001A G+ Spike ($355) , which adds spikes and waterproofing for harsher conditions like snow and ice. I tested the 001A G+. The shoe’s tech credentials are littered with trademark and patent symbols. But symbolic techiness aside, Norda’s aim for the 001A was simple—“to find the most advanced midsole foam for trail that combined the highest resiliency possible yet performed and lasted 5-10x longer than other super foams.” Photograph: Kieran Alger That new foam is now a proprietary Norda x Arnitel thermoplastic polyester elastomer blend that aims to deliver 30 percent more rebound than the original 001. It weighs 10 percent less and still delivers that signature durability that lasts beyond 1,000 kilometers (621 miles). In testing, that midsole setup made for a mildly energetic ride, helped by a softening eTPU insole. It’s a good balance of softness and protection with a hit of responsiveness. The 001A G+ feels grounded, rather than plush, underfoot. The sole is smallish—26 mm in the heel, 21 mm in the forefoot—which keeps you nicely connected to the trail. The feedback from that midsole was quite muted. It certainly doesn’t match the springy energy you get from the Asics Metafuji Trail ($295) or a Hoka Tecton X3 ($275) . However, it felt smooth over a wide range of terrain, from hard-packed trail to grass and forest floors. If, like me, you like your trail shoes to tread a fine line between connection and cushion, you’ll like the 001A G+. Stronger for Longer? Photograph: Kieran Alger Up top, you’ve got robust, seamless uppers cut from sustainable, Bluesign- and ISCC-approved, bio-based Dyneema fibers. According to Dyneema, that material is 15 times stronger than steel at the same weight. It’s certainly showing no signs of weakness after 50 miles, and previous generations of the 001A were hailed for being incredibly tough. The G+ model has a breathable, graphene waterproof membrane laminated to the upper to keep feet warm when it’s cold and to provide 10,000-mm water resistance. Interestingly, this membrane hasn't added extra weight as compared to the 001A standard shoe. I’m not 100 percent convinced we need waterproof shoes . I’d probably choose the cheaper 001A ahead of these. But if you’re a fan of extra weatherproofing, these are some of the best I’ve tested at keeping water out. I made a point of battering through as many puddles as possible, and not a drop got in, though they can run hot. Photograph: Kieran Alger I was less sold on the comfort. Norda suggests going half a size up in the 001A to get a more accommodating fit. I followed that advice, which worked well for a roomy forefoot and excellent mid-foot lockdown. But these aren't the most inviting-looking shoes, and for a